Details

Mast Mate is an alternating-step flexible ladder made of 2 inch-wide nylon webbing. The sewn tensile strength of the webbing is 3,000 pounds. The distance between the alternating steps is 17 inches. The steps are double reinforced with the same webbing. The steps are not sewn on to a main strap, but rather are formed by two continuous parallel straps of webbing, one sewn to form the step, the other straight, and visa versa, over the length of the ladder. Thus the Mast Mate is one contiguous unit.

A No. 3 spur grommet is attached between each step (25 grommets for the 35-foot and 36 grommets for the 50-foot). A stout D ring is affixed at the top for halyard connection. Nylon retainer shackles are provided for connecting the step grommets to the appropriate slides or slugs provided by the owner. There is a double step at the top, 3 feet below the halyard connection, for equal footing when working. The double step can be positioned at any point along the mast, A No. 3 grommet is provided between the halyard connection and the double step for gear attachment, bosun's chair, tool bag, or safety harness.

Mast Mate is raised only when needed. It is hoisted just as is the mainsail. If the particular track or slot system has a gate, Mast Mate is fed in above the lowered main; otherwise, the main must be taken off the track or slot. A downhaul is recommended, but the weight of the climber will take the slack out of the system.

A common problem, main halyard retrieval, can be solved with Mast Mate by using the jib halyard (masthead rig only) or adjustable topping lift. If a spare halyard is available, Mast Mate affixed will provide a means to lessen the burden of going aloft in the bosun's chair by taking the weight off the wincher. Mast Mate can also be used as an emergency boarding ladder by looping a step over a winch and casting the rest overboard. When not in use, Mast Mate is rolled compactly (per instructions) and stowed in the nylon bag provided. The 35ft MAST MATE weighs 8 pounds and it's demensions rolled are 14" X 2", the 50' Mast Mate weighs 10 pounds and is 16" X 2" rolled.

Mast Mate is manufactured in the United States, It is a simple device, a combination of old and new ideas and modern materials. Used with common sense and good judgment, it is a very helpful tool. The statement most often heard when Mast Mate is seen at boat shows or in private use is: "Why didn't I think of that?"

Now available - our new Mast Mate Workbelt

Made of the same quality webbing and the highest quality materials.

The Mast Mate Work Belt

The design is similar to a linesman's belt, consisting of an adjustable waist belt and safety strap that goes around the mast and clips back onto the belt. This allows for a comfortable work position with both hands free. There is a tool bag conveniently affixed at the back. We feel the use of the workbelt greatly reduces any risk that could be incurred by on the spot solutions to securing oneself to the mast.

Upon delivery of your Mast Mate climbing system , you will receive the ladder itself, to the specified length, and rolled in the stowed position inside the convienent storage bag , also the number of universal nylon shackles specified for that length ladder, 25 for 35ft, 36 fot 50 ft.. These shackles are simply affixed to the proper track slide, provided by you, and then easily attached to the Mast Mate . I suggest , for cost reasons, that you purchase the appropriate track slides from a sailmaker or rigging shop rather than your friendly marine store. If ordered, you will receive the workbelt which also stows nicely in the Mast Mate Bag. Both the ladder and the workbelt come with complete instructions, which should be carefully read before deployment.

With Mast Mate you go all the way to the top!

If you have any unanswered questions,
please e-mail or write to:
Rolling River Designs
P.O. Box 611K
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-433-7370